Date: Fri 23-Apr-1999

Publication: Hea

Author: MELISS

Quick Words:

Leever-cancer-Waterbury

Full Text:

HEALTH MONITOR: Major Pledge Boosts Cancer Center For Waterbury

WATERBURY -- Harold Leever, past chairman of MacDermid, Inc. and a local

philanthropist, has announced he will pledge $2 million toward the development

of a regional cancer center in Waterbury.

In announcing his pledge at a luncheon at the Country Club of Waterbury last

month, Mr Leever said he has always hoped that there would be a way for the

two hospitals, Waterbury Hospital and St Mary's Hospital, to cooperate on

providing care.

"I have always been proud of both hospitals and the service they provide to

the community." he said. "Working together on a project like this is something

I have always hoped they would do. By making this contribution, it is a vote

of confidence in their work and my personal way of giving back to the

community." The hospitals have begun asking board members, committee

appointees, management and friends for contributions in support of the joint

program, to demonstrate to the community that the hospitals are serious about

establishing the center. The two hospital presidents lauded Mr Leever's pledge

as one of the most generous contributions to health care from any one

individual in Waterbury's history.

John J. Pacowta, partner with Nishball, Carp, Niedermeier & Pacowta & Co., and

Vincent Largay, president of Largay Associates, are co-chairing the

fund-raising campaign for the cancer center.

Mr Largay said, "I have always expected that the community would generously

support the development of a regional cancer center, but I was pleased beyond

belief by the willingness of Harold Leever to come forward so quickly with

such a significant gift."

Mr Pacowta concurred and added that, "Vin and I have been personally involved

in helping steer this project through the hospital boards and the steering

committee overseeing its development. When we approached Harold and asked for

his help, and then learned that he was willing to be the leader in

contributing to the project, I knew that all the work we have put into this

will come to fruition."

Concurrent with Mr Leever's pledge, the hospital presidents announced that the

center will be named in his honor as their way of thanking Mr Leever. They

announced that the center will be called The Harold Leever Regional Cancer

Center. John Tobin, president of Waterbury Hospital, said that, "Harold has

single-handedly demonstrated just how important this project is to the

community and is leading the way for all of us to support this joint effort in

the most generous way possible. We are deeply appreciative of his pledge and

touched by is commitment."

Sister Marguerite Waite, president of St Mary's Hospital, said that, "Harold's

pledge is the most significant event in our effort to create a regional cancer

center for the community. Bringing this project to completion has never been

more real than it is now, due to the kindness and generosity of Mr Leever. He

has set an example for us all to follow."

Mr Leever was clearly touched by the announcement that the center will be

named in his honor. "I didn't make this pledge to have my name put on the

building, I did it because it was the right thing to do for our community. I

will look forward to seeing the cancer center completed and I will be proud to

have my name a part of it."

St Mary's Hospital and Waterbury Hospital already have their long-established

programs working under one administrator, Anne Campbell-Maxwell. Ms

Campbell-Maxwell, commented that she has been impressed by the level of

commitment the two hospitals and the community have for the partnership.

"It's never easy for two separate organizations to come together for one

cause, but I have been thrilled with the amount of hard work the hospitals and

their boards have put into this project. Mr Leever's leadership pledge puts us

one step closer to making our dream reality."